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Psalms
A Critical and Expository Commentary with Doctrinal and Practical Remarks
Although more than six hundred commentators have written on the Psalms, it has long been difficult to find a comprehensive treatment of this book of Scripture in one volume. Some expositions have excelled in scholarship, but, unlike the Psalter, in instructing the mind they have failed to exercise the heart. Dr. Plumer's Commentary avoids this defect, the author believing that from the Psalms 'piety has derived more nourishment than from any other source,' and that his work should serve that same purpose. In 1211 pages he gives both exposition and doctrinal and practical remarks and presents in readable form a great wealth of material drawn from all the leading commentators who had gone before him. In the opinion of Dr John Macleod of Edinburgh, he succeeded in producing the best single volume on this book of Scripture.
Graduating from Princeton Seminary in 1826, Plumer was a well-known Southern Presbyterian preacher and writer who spent the last thirteen years of his life as a Professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, South Carolina. He produced his exposition of the Psalms during the prime of life, and, as he tells us, 'never felt more disposed to any work.' In the opinion of others, Dr Plumer was outstanding as a spiritual 'His prayers,' wrote Moses D. Hoge, 'were the tender pleadings of a soul in communion with God.' Of the place which the Psalms had in his own experience he 'During a Christian and ministerial life, neither short, uneventful, nor free from dark days and sharp sorrows, the author has never been able to secure to himself, or administer to others, full support and abounding consolation without a resort to the Psalms.'
Although more than six hundred commentators have written on the Psalms, it has long been difficult to find a comprehensive treatment of this book of Scripture in one volume. Some expositions have excelled in scholarship, but, unlike the Psalter, in instructing the mind they have failed to exercise the heart. Dr. Plumer's Commentary avoids this defect, the author believing that from the Psalms 'piety has derived more nourishment than from any other source,' and that his work should serve that same purpose. In 1211 pages he gives both exposition and doctrinal and practical remarks and presents in readable form a great wealth of material drawn from all the leading commentators who had gone before him. In the opinion of Dr John Macleod of Edinburgh, he succeeded in producing the best single volume on this book of Scripture.
Graduating from Princeton Seminary in 1826, Plumer was a well-known Southern Presbyterian preacher and writer who spent the last thirteen years of his life as a Professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, South Carolina. He produced his exposition of the Psalms during the prime of life, and, as he tells us, 'never felt more disposed to any work.' In the opinion of others, Dr Plumer was outstanding as a spiritual 'His prayers,' wrote Moses D. Hoge, 'were the tender pleadings of a soul in communion with God.' Of the place which the Psalms had in his own experience he 'During a Christian and ministerial life, neither short, uneventful, nor free from dark days and sharp sorrows, the author has never been able to secure to himself, or administer to others, full support and abounding consolation without a resort to the Psalms.'
1216 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 1975
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About the author
William Swan Plumer
93 books4 followersWilliam Swan Plumer (July 26, 1802 – October 22, 1880) was an American clergyman, theologian and author who was recognized as an intellectual leader of the Presbyterian Church in the 1800s.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 9, 2024
It was worth every second over the five years. This book gave me a deeper love for the Psalms. Exposed the need I have for prayer daily. Taught me to worship even when it is hard or I don’t feel like it.
July 9, 2025
Great commentary. I like that it breaks it down to exposition and practical remarks. Plumer engages not just the text, but also incorporates existing scholarship from Calvin and others.
August 20, 2017
The best resource I've come across for the Psalms - great for devotions and for teaching.
October 5, 2023
Very helpful
Consistent and faithful. By God's grace, Plumer shows real insight, and the result is a book which is as relevant today as when it was written.
Consistent and faithful. By God's grace, Plumer shows real insight, and the result is a book which is as relevant today as when it was written.
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June 4, 2018Using this book as a reference tool only.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews